The Pepsi MidAmerica office outside Poplar Bluff is now the Jarrell Building following a Tuesday ceremony honoring area sales manager Mike Jarrell.
Jarrell, who has worked at Pepsi MidAmerica for nearly 35 years, was shocked when he found out about the honor.
“I certainly appreciate it, but I never saw it coming,” he said.
The event was attended by many of Jarrell’s family and coworkers, as well as company leadership, including president Keith Dickens and Pepsi MidAmerica owner and chairman Harry Crisp II. Both praised Jarrell for his loyalty and work ethic.
Crisp noted that buildings and facilities are important, but, “the most important thing about it is the people who put it all together.”
Shipping manager Adam Schoenborn also took the podium, describing Jarrell as a great mentor, manager and friend.
“He’s the glue for the depot we have right now. He sets the bar,” Schoenborn said.
Jarrell began his tenure at Pepsi MidAmerica in 1987 as a route sales trainer and worked his way up to become a pillar of the Southeast Missouri branch. In his remarks he noted that since Pepsi MidAmerica’s founding in the 1930s, few buildings have been named after individuals, and he is humbled to be numbered among them.
“I’m incredibly honored and deeply moved to receive this honor,” he said.
He added he was thankful to Pepsi MidAmerica for his career, to the Crisps and other company leaders for their guidance, and to his family.
“I’m thankful that my dad taught me to get up, go to work and try my best every day,” he explained, then praised his wife, Debbie, and their children in turn for their support.
He also applauded Pepsi MidAmerica for its response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
“We never stopped hiring … we never stopped investing,” he said.